The Fighter [Blu-ray/DVD] [Includes Digital Copy]

Mark Wahlberg stars in Paramount Pictures' inspirational docudrama exploring the remarkable rise of Massachusetts-born, junior welterweight title winner "Irish" Micky Ward. A determined pugilist whose career in the ring was shepherded by his loyal half-brother, Dicky (Christian Bale) -- a hard-living boxer-turned-trainer whose own career in the ring was nearly sent down for the count due to drugs and crime -- perennial underdog Irish Micky rebounded from a disheartening series of defeats to win both the WBU Intercontinental Lightweight title and the WBU Light Welterweight title thanks to a fierce combination of determination and hard work. David O. Russell directs from a script by 8 MILE's Scott Silver and Paul Attanasio (THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM).

"[With] yet another splendid performance from Wahlberg, who stabilizes the picture by bringing his trademark masculine presence to bear as well as his deep knowledge of Ward and his socio-economic background."Los Angeles Times

"Mr. Russell directed THE FIGHTER with furious energy -- the overlapping dialogue out-Altmans Robert Altman -- and an exuberant sense of place. The director has an unerring feel for his working class characters..."Wall Street Journal

"[THE FIGHTER] is quick on its feet and packs a mighty punch....Mr. Bale's performance is astonishing, in part because he so completely conquers a daunting set of physical and psychological challenges."New York Times

3.5 stars out of 4 -- "Wahlberg lucked out big-time with Christian Bale. To watch these two dynamite actors spar is one of the purest pleasures of the movie season."Rolling Stone

"[Bale] transforms himself....Melissa Leo is merciless in her depiction of Alice..."Chicago Sun-Times

3.5 stars out of 4 -- "THE FIGHTER possesses the light-footed dexterity and spontaneity of the most sensitive pugilist, circling its characters with equal parts discretion and confrontational zeal."Washington Post

"Bale's live-wire performance typifies the many major and minor elements that elevate the THE FIGHTER from the deeply conventional sports movie it might have been into the endearingly offbeat sports movie it turns out to be." - Grade: B+A.V. Club